Hearts Lose Season Opener to Althoff

Published on November 26 2013 9:03 pm
Last Updated on November 27 2013 10:13 am
Written by Greg Sapp

Effingham Hearts basketball coach Ron Reed said before Tuesday night's game against Belleville Althoff that the Crusaders might be one of the best teams they'll face this season.

No one would argue with that assessment after the game.

Althoff opened a close contest in the second half and defeated the Hearts 64-45 at the St. Anthony Thanksgiving Tournament. The game, which was the season opener for both squads, was heard on 979XFM and www.979xfm.com.

The Hearts were able to stay with the Crusaders throughout the first half with excellent shooting. Althoff led the game 15-14 after one quarter and 27-26 at halftime. The second half was a different story, though, as Althoff outscored the Hearts 16-9 in the third quarter and 21-10 in the fourth period to put the game away.

Althoff hit 23 of 50 shots for 46% while the Hearts made 20 of 44 for 45%. Althoff made 13 of 18 free throws while the Hearts were just one of four from the line. The Hearts were plagued by 20 turnovers, grabbed 24 rebounds and made four of 11 three-point tries.

Leighton Lark led Effingham with 21 points on nine of 14 shooting and six rebounds. Also for Effingham: Kevin Daugherty seven, Isaac Foreman six, Phil Knight and Sean Zerrusen three apiece, and Marcus Robinson and Matt Wohltman two each.

Effingham and Althoff are both back in action Wednesday night at the tournament; the Hearts playing Charleston at 6:30pm and St. Anthony taking on Althoff at 8pm. We'll have both games on 979XFM and www.979xfm.com. In the opener at 5pm, Breese Central will take on Mattoon.